U.S. patent application number 14/213708 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for footwear article having a temperature regulation system.
The applicant listed for this patent is CROCS, INC.. Invention is credited to Luca FAGGIN, Stefano FERNIANI.
Application Number | 20140259790 14/213708 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520739 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140259790 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FAGGIN; Luca ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
FOOTWEAR ARTICLE HAVING A TEMPERATURE REGULATION SYSTEM
Abstract
An article of footwear includes a body configured to receive a
foot of a wearer of the article of footwear. A temperature
regulation system is supported by the body. The temperature
regulation system includes a reservoir containing a temperature
regulating fluid configured to receive heat from the foot of the
wearer. The reservoir is configured to be compressed between the
foot of the wearer and the body to discharge the temperature
regulating fluid from the reservoir. The temperature regulation
system further includes a heat-dissipating portion receiving the
temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir. The
heat-dissipating portion is configured to permit the temperature
regulating fluid to dissipate heat received from the foot of the
wearer.
Inventors: |
FAGGIN; Luca; (Padova,
IT) ; FERNIANI; Stefano; (Padova, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CROCS, INC. |
Niwot |
CO |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51520739 |
Appl. No.: |
14/213708 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61790943 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/103 ;
36/83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 7/005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/103 ;
36/83 |
International
Class: |
A43B 7/00 20060101
A43B007/00 |
Claims
1. An article of footwear, comprising: a body configured to receive
a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear; a temperature
regulation system supported by the body and including: a reservoir
containing a temperature regulating fluid configured to receive
heat from the foot of the wearer, the reservoir being configured to
be compressed between the foot of the wearer and the body to
discharge the temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir; and
a heat-dissipating portion receiving the temperature regulating
fluid from the reservoir, the heat-dissipating portion being
configured to permit the temperature regulating fluid to dissipate
heat received from the foot of the wearer.
2. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the reservoir and
the heat-dissipating portion define an endless circuit along which
the temperature regulating fluid travels.
3. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the body includes a
sole supporting the reservoir.
4. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the sole includes a
heel-receiving portion supporting the reservoir.
5. The article of footwear of claim 3, further comprising a footbed
configured to engage the foot of the wearer, the footbed overlying
the reservoir and the sole.
6. The article of footwear of claim 3, wherein the sole includes a
forefoot-receiving portion supporting the reservoir.
7. The article of footwear of claim 6, wherein the reservoir
includes a plurality of segments defining a serpentine path along
which the temperature regulating fluid travels.
8. The article of footwear of claim 1, wherein the body includes an
upper defining a chamber configured to receive the foot of the
wearer, the reservoir being disposed within the chamber and the
heat-dissipating portion being disposed outside of the chamber.
9. An article of footwear, comprising: a body defining a chamber
configured to receive a foot of a wearer of the article of
footwear; a temperature regulation system supported by the body and
containing a temperature regulating fluid configured to receive
heat from the foot of the wearer, the temperature regulation system
including a plurality of passageway segments defining an endless
circuit through which the temperature regulating fluid travels, and
the plurality of passageway segments defining a heat-dissipating
portion disposed outwardly of the chamber and configured to permit
the temperature regulating fluid to dissipate heat received from
the foot of the wearer.
10. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the
heat-dissipating portion defines a serpentine portion of the
endless circuit.
11. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the temperature
regulation system further includes a reservoir containing the
temperature regulating fluid and configured to be compressed
between the foot of the wearer and the body to discharge the
temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir, and the
heat-dissipating portion receiving the temperature regulating fluid
from the reservoir.
12. The article of footwear of claim 9, wherein the plurality of
passageway segments further define a heat-receiving portion of the
endless circuit in which the temperature regulating fluid receives
heat from the foot of the wearer, the heat-dissipating portion
receiving the temperature regulating fluid from the heat-receiving
portion.
13. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the body includes
a sole supporting the heat-receiving portion of the temperature
regulation system.
14. The article of footwear of claim 12, wherein the heat-receiving
portion defines a serpentine portion of the endless circuit.
15. An article of footwear, comprising: a sole configured to
support a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear; an upper
supported by the sole, the upper and the sole together defining a
chamber configured to receive the foot of the wearer; a temperature
regulation system containing a temperature regulating fluid
configured to receive heat from the foot of the wearer, the
temperature regulation system including: a reservoir supported by
the sole and containing the temperature regulating fluid, the
reservoir being configured to be compressed between the foot of the
wearer and the sole to discharge the temperature regulating fluid
from the reservoir; a heat-receiving portion supported by the sole
within the chamber and receiving the temperature regulating fluid
from the reservoir, the heat-receiving portion being configured to
permit the temperature regulating fluid to receive heat from the
foot of the wearer; and a heat-dissipating portion supported by the
upper outside of the chamber and receiving the temperature
regulating fluid from the heat-receiving portion, the
heat-dissipating portion being configured to permit the temperature
regulating fluid to dissipate heat received from the foot of the
wearer.
16. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the heat-receiving
portion defines a serpentine portion of a path along which the
temperature regulating fluid travels.
17. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the
heat-dissipating portion defines a serpentine portion of a path
along which the temperature regulating fluid travels.
18. The article of footwear of claim 15, wherein the reservoir, the
heat-receiving portion, and the heat-dissipating portion define an
endless circuit along which the temperature regulating fluid
travels.
19. The article of footwear of claim 18, wherein the temperature
regulation system further includes a first check valve inhibiting
the temperature regulating fluid discharged from the reservoir from
traveling along the endless circuit directly toward the
heat-dissipating portion.
20. The article of footwear of claim 19, wherein the temperature
regulation system further includes a second check valve inhibiting
the temperature regulating fluid discharged from the heat-receiving
portion from traveling along the endless circuit directly toward
the reservoir.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/790,943, filed on Mar. 15, 2013,
which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all
purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an article of footwear,
particularly an article of footwear including a system for
regulating the temperature of the sole, the upper, and/or the
interior chamber of the article.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various types of articles of footwear include an interior
chamber to receive the foot of the wearer. Such a chamber typically
serves several purposes. For example, the chamber typically has a
shape that is the inverse of the wearer's foot to facilitate
securing the article to the wearer's foot. In addition, the chamber
provides protection from adverse environmental conditions, such as
precipitation, cold air, and the like. However, the internal
chamber and adjacent portions of the article may become excessively
warm due to environmental conditions and/or body heat generated by
the wearer's foot. These conditions may lead to wearer discomfort
or even pathologies such as tinea pedis (commonly referred to as
"athlete's foot").
SUMMARY
[0004] An article of footwear according to embodiments of the
present invention includes a body configured to receive a foot of a
wearer of the article of footwear. A temperature regulation system
is supported by the body. The temperature regulation system
includes a reservoir containing a temperature regulating fluid
configured to receive heat from the foot of the wearer. The
reservoir is configured to be compressed between the foot of the
wearer and the body to discharge the temperature regulating fluid
from the reservoir. The temperature regulation system further
includes a heat-dissipating portion receiving the temperature
regulating fluid from the reservoir. The heat-dissipating portion
is configured to permit the temperature regulating fluid to
dissipate heat received from the foot of the wearer.
[0005] An article of footwear according to embodiments of the
present invention includes a body defining a chamber configured to
receive a foot of a wearer of the article of footwear. The article
further includes a temperature regulation system supported by the
body. The temperature regulation system contains a temperature
regulating fluid configured to receive heat from the foot of the
wearer. The temperature regulation system includes a plurality of
passageway segments defining an endless circuit through which the
temperature regulating fluid travels. The plurality of passageway
segments define a heat-dissipating portion disposed outwardly of
the chamber. The heat-dissipating portion is configured to permit
the temperature regulating fluid to dissipate heat received from
the foot of the wearer.
[0006] An article of footwear according to embodiments of the
present invention includes a sole configured to support a foot of a
wearer of the article of footwear. An upper is supported by the
sole, and the upper and the sole together define a chamber
configured to receive the foot of the wearer. The article further
includes a temperature regulation system containing a temperature
regulating fluid configured to receive heat from the foot of the
wearer. The temperature regulation system includes a reservoir
supported by the sole and containing the temperature regulating
fluid. The reservoir is configured to be compressed between the
foot of the wearer and the sole to discharge the temperature
regulating fluid from the reservoir. A heat-receiving portion is
supported by the sole within the chamber and receives the
temperature regulating fluid from the reservoir. The heat-receiving
portion is configured to permit the temperature regulating fluid to
receive heat from the foot of the wearer. A heat-dissipating
portion is supported by the upper outside of the chamber. The
heat-dissipating portion receives the temperature regulating fluid
from the heat-receiving portion. The heat-dissipating portion is
configured to permit the temperature regulating fluid to dissipate
heat received from the foot of the wearer.
[0007] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which
shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be
regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of an article of footwear in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; an upper of
the article of footwear is partially hidden to illustrate a
temperature regulation system of the article of footwear;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a side view of the article of footwear of FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a section view along line 4-4 of FIG. 2; a
heat-dissipating portion of the temperature regulation system is
separated from the upper of the article of footwear and disposed
horizontally for illustrative purposes;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a top view of the temperature regulation system of
the article of footwear of FIG. 1 separated from a body of the
article of footwear;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top section view of an article of footwear in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; a
heat-dissipating portion of the temperature regulation system is
separated from the upper of the article of footwear and disposed
horizontally for illustrative purposes;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an article of footwear in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an article of footwear in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a side view of an article of footwear in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 9;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a top view of a temperature regulation system of
the article of footwear of FIG. 9 separated from a body of the
article of footwear;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a partial top view of an article of footwear in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 13 is a partial top view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 12 including a footbed;
[0021] FIG. 14 is a partial side view of the article of footwear of
FIG. 12;
[0022] FIG. 15 is a top view of a temperature regulation system of
the article of footwear of FIG. 12 separated from a body of the
article of footwear;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a top view of a temperature regulation system of
an article of footwear in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an article of footwear in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; an upper of
the article of footwear is partially hidden to illustrate a
temperature regulation system of the article of footwear;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the temperature regulation
system of the article of footwear of FIG. 17 separated from a body
of the article of footwear;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a flow control element for
a temperature regulation system in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a side view of the flow control element of FIG.
19;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a top view of the flow control element of FIG.
19;
[0029] FIG. 22 is another side view of the flow control element of
FIG. 19;
[0030] FIG. 23 is another perspective view of the flow control
element of FIG. 19.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an article of footwear 110 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The article
of footwear 110 may be an athletic shoe including a body 112
configured to engage a foot of a wearer (not shown). The body 112
includes a sole 114 having an anteriorly-disposed
forefoot-receiving portion 115 and a posteriorly-disposed
heel-receiving portion 116. The sole 114 may comprise layers formed
of various materials (for example, fabrics, polyurethane, rubber,
combinations thereof, and the like). Such layers may define an
outsole 117, a midsole (not shown), and an insole (not shown). The
sole 114 connects to an upper 118 via a stitching (not shown), an
adhesive (not shown), or the like. The upper 118 may comprise
various materials (for example, various types of fabric and the
like). The upper 118 defines a tongue 120 and supports adjacent to
lacing 122. The upper 118 and the sole 114 together define an
interior chamber 124 configured to receive the foot of the wearer.
Article of footwear 110 may be, for example, a running shoe, a golf
shoe, a walking shoe, a tennis shoe, a molded shoe, a casual shoe,
a shoe with cleats, a show without cleats, a hiking boot, a ski
boot, a roller skate shoe, a roller blade shoe, an ice skating
shoe, or any other kind of shoe or footwear.
[0032] The body 112 mounts a temperature regulation system 126 that
is partially disposed within the interior chamber 124. The
temperature regulation system 126 contains a recirculating
temperature regulating fluid 128, such as a mixture of water and
glycerin, oils, or the like, that receives heat from the foot of
the wearer. The temperature regulating fluid 128 may receive heat
via direct thermal conduction between the foot of the wearer and
the temperature regulation system 126, via indirect thermal
conduction (such as through a sock worn by the wearer, between the
foot of the wearer, the body 112, and ultimately the temperature
regulation system 126, or the like), via thermal convection (such
as between the foot of the wearer, the air within the chamber 124,
and ultimately the temperature regulation system 126), combinations
thereof, and the like. The temperature regulating fluid 128 also
dissipates heat to the environment of the article of footwear 110.
Thus, the temperature regulation system 126 permits the body 112
and air within the chamber 124 to absorb and retain relatively
little heat from the foot of the wearer compared to previous
articles of footwear.
[0033] The temperature regulation system 126 may be generally
formed by upper and lower fixedly-connected flexible sheets 130 and
132 (FIGS. 4 and 5). Such sheets 130 and 132 may comprise various
materials, such as polyurethane or the like. The sheets 130 and 132
define various features that together form an endless passageway or
circuit through which the temperature regulating fluid 128
travels.
[0034] The endless circuit is formed, in part, by a "pump" or
deformable reservoir 134 that contains the temperature regulating
fluid 128. The deformable reservoir 134 is supported by the
heel-receiving portion 116 of the sole 114. Thus, when the wearer
places his/her weight on the heel-receiving portion 116 of the sole
114 (for example, by taking a step, shifting his/her weight, or the
like), the reservoir 134 is compressed between the foot of the
wearer and the sole 114. This action causes the reservoir 134 to
discharge at least some of the temperature regulating fluid 128
into a plurality of passageway segments that also form, in part,
the endless circuit through which the temperature regulating fluid
128 travels. The reservoir 134 specifically discharges the
temperature regulating fluid 128 to an anteriorly-extending outlet
passageway segment 136.
[0035] The outlet passageway segment 136 includes a check or
one-way valve 138. The check valve 138 permits the outlet
passageway segment 136 to receive the temperature regulating fluid
128 from the reservoir 134. Conversely, the check valve 138
inhibits the reservoir 134 from receiving the temperature
regulating fluid 128 directly from the outlet passageway segment
136. The check valve 138 may be any of various appropriate check
valves, such as a miniature, one-direction valve including an
internal spring-biased sphere or the like. The outlet passageway
segment 136 also delivers the temperature regulating fluid 128 to
an adjacent set of passageway segments that define a "cooler" or
heat-receiving portion 140 of the temperature regulation system
126.
[0036] The heat-receiving portion 140 of the temperature regulation
system 126 is supported by the forefoot-receiving portion 115 of
the sole 114. Thus, the heat-receiving portion 140 receives heat
from the forefoot of the wearer (via conduction and/or convection,
as described above, or the like). The heat-receiving portion 140
includes several features that facilitate appropriate heat transfer
from the forefoot of the wearer to the heat-receiving portion 140.
In particular, the heat-receiving portion 140 includes a plurality
of substantially parallel passageway segments 142 and connecting
arcuate passageway segments 144. The heat-receiving portion 140 may
include, for example, four or more passageway segments 142 and an
appropriate number of connecting passageway segments 144. The
passageway segments 142 and 144 together define a serpentine path
or portion 146 of the endless circuit. Each of the passageway
segments 142 and 144 may have a greater width, as viewed from
above, than other passageway segments of the temperature regulation
system 126. The passageway segments 142 may also extend along axes
(see axis 145 of FIG. 4, for example) disposed at a relatively
small acute angle (for example, 10 degrees or less) relative to a
coronal plane 147 of the article of footwear 110.
[0037] The serpentine portion 146 of the endless circuit delivers
the temperature regulating fluid 128 to a posteriorly-extending
intermediate passageway segment 148. Together, the serpentine
portion 146 and the intermediate passageway segment 148 provide the
heat-receiving portion 140 with a width that may be 70 percent or
more of the width of the forefoot-receiving portion 115 of the sole
114.
[0038] The intermediate passageway segment 148 extends through a
gap between the sole 114 and the upper 118, through a passage
extending through the upper 118, or the like. The intermediate
passageway 148 delivers the temperature regulating fluid 128 to a
"radiator" or heat-dissipating portion 150 (shown separated from
the body 112 and disposed horizontally in FIG. 4 for illustrative
purposes). As the name implies, the heat-dissipating portion 150
dissipates heat from the temperature regulating fluid 128 to the
environment (via convection or the like). The heat-dissipating
portion 150 may be disposed posteriorly relative to the reservoir
134 and, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, may also be supported by the upper
118 outside of the interior chamber 124. The heat-dissipating
portion 150 may extend about portions of the upper 118 adjacent to
the heel and ankle of the wearer.
[0039] The heat-dissipating portion 150 includes a first element
152 (see FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5) that receives the temperature
regulating fluid 128 from the intermediate passageway segment 148.
The first element 152 extends about portions of the upper 118
adjacent to the inner ankle of the wearer. The first element 152
includes an inferiorly-disposed passageway segment 154 that may
arcuately extend in an inferior/superior direction. The passageway
segment 154 delivers the temperature regulating fluid 128 to a
plurality of superiorly-disposed passageway segments 156 (four of
which are numbered in FIGS. 4 and 5) and connecting arcuate
passageway segments 158 (two of which are numbered in FIGS. 4 and
5). The first element 152 may include, for example, ten or more
passageway segments 156 and an appropriate number of connecting
passageway segments 158. As most clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
the passageway segments 156 may be offset from one another along an
arc having a similar shape to the inferiorly-disposed passageway
segment 154. The passageway segments 156 and 158 together define a
serpentine path or portion 160 of the endless circuit.
[0040] The first element 152 delivers the temperature regulating
fluid 128 to a second element 162 (see FIGS. 3-5). The second
element 162 extends about portions of the upper 118 adjacent to the
outer of the ankle of the wearer. In addition, the shape of the
second element 162 may mirror that of the first element 152 over
the sagittal plane 163 (see FIG. 4) of the article of footwear 110.
That is, the second element 162 may include a plurality of
superiorly-disposed passageway segments 164 (four of which are
numbered in FIGS. 4 and 5) and connecting arcuate passageway
segments 166 (two of which are numbered in FIGS. 4 and 5). The
second element 162 may include, for example, ten or more passageway
segments 164 and an appropriate number of connecting passageway
segments 166. As most clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the
passageway segments 164 may be offset from one another along an arc
having a similar shape to an inferiorly-disposed passageway segment
170. The passageway segments 164 and 166 define a serpentine path
or portion 168 of the endless circuit. The serpentine path 168
receives the temperature regulating fluid 128 from the serpentine
path 160 of the first element 152.
[0041] The serpentine path 168 delivers the fluid 128 to the
inferiorly-disposed passageway segment 170. The passageway segment
170 may arcuately extend in an inferior/superior direction. The
passageway segment 170 delivers the temperature regulating fluid
128 to an anteriorly-extending reservoir inlet passageway segment
172.
[0042] The reservoir inlet passageway segment 172 extends through a
gap between the sole 114 and the upper 118, through a passage
extending through the upper 118, or the like. The reservoir inlet
passageway segment 172 includes a check or one-way valve 174. The
check valve 174 permits the reservoir 134 to receive the
temperature regulating fluid 128 from the inlet passageway segment
172. Conversely, the check valve 174 inhibits the inlet passageway
segment 172 from receiving the temperature regulating fluid 128
directly from the reservoir 134. The check valve 174 may be any of
various appropriate check valves, such as those described above.
The temperature regulating fluid 128 completes the endless circuit
upon traveling from the inlet passageway segment 172 to the
reservoir 134.
[0043] In some embodiments, at least some of the temperature
regulating fluid 128 is disposed in each of the passageway segments
and the reservoir 134 at all times. Further, each compression of
the reservoir 134 displaces the temperature regulating fluid 128
along small portions of the endless circuit.
[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an article of footwear 210 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The article of
footwear 210 includes a body 212 having a sole 214. The sole 214
includes an anteriorly-disposed forefoot-receiving portion 215 and
a posteriorly-disposed heel-receiving portion 216. The sole 214
also connects to an upper (not shown). The upper and the sole 214
together define an interior chamber 224 configured to receive the
foot of the wearer.
[0045] The body 212 mounts a temperature regulation system 226 that
is as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-5. That is, the
temperature regulation system 226 generally includes a deformable
reservoir 234 that is supported by the heel-receiving portion 216
of the sole 214. The reservoir 234 is compressed between the foot
of the wearer and the heel-receiving portion 216 of the sole 214 to
deliver temperature regulating fluid 228 to a heat-receiving
portion 240 supported by the forefoot-receiving portion 215 of the
sole 214. The heat-receiving portion 240 delivers the temperature
regulating fluid 228 to a heat-dissipating portion 250 supported by
the upper outside of the interior chamber 224 (the heat-dissipating
portion 250 is shown separated from the body 212 and disposed
horizontally for illustrative purposes). The heat-dissipating
portion 250 returns the temperature regulating fluid 228 to the
reservoir 234.
[0046] In addition, the article of footwear 210 includes a footbed
or "sock liner" 276 that may comprise various materials (for
example, fabrics, polymers, combinations thereof, and the like).
The footbed 276 is disposed within the interior chamber 224 and
overlies the heel-receiving portion 216 of the sole 214 and the
reservoir 234. Thus, the heel of the wearer compresses the
reservoir 234 between the footbed 276 and the heel-receiving
portion 216 of the sole 214 to drive the temperature regulating
fluid 228 along the endless circuit. To facilitate heat transfer
from the forefoot of the wearer, the footbed 276 does not overlie
the forefoot-receiving portion 215 of the sole 214 and the
heat-receiving portion 240.
[0047] In some embodiments, the footbed 276 may comprise one or
more relatively thermally conductive materials and overlie the
heel-receiving portion 216 of the sole 214, the reservoir 234, the
forefoot-receiving portion 215 of the sole 214, and the
heat-receiving portion 240. In some embodiments, only a portion of
the footbed 276 overlying the forefoot-receiving portion 215 of the
sole 214 and the heat-receiving portion 240 comprises one or more
relatively thermally conductive materials.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates an article of footwear 310 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The article of
footwear 310 may be a casual shoe including a body 312 configured
to engage a foot of a wearer (not shown). The body 312 includes a
sole 314 that connects to an upper 318. The upper 318 and the sole
314 together define an interior chamber 324 configured to receive
the foot of the wearer.
[0049] The body 312 mounts a temperature regulation system 326 that
is as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-5. That is, the
temperature regulation system 326 generally includes a deformable
reservoir (not shown) that is supported by a heel-receiving portion
of the sole 314. The reservoir is compressed between the foot of
the wearer and the heel-receiving portion of the sole 314 to
deliver temperature regulating fluid 328 to a heat-receiving
portion (not shown) supported by a forefoot-receiving portion of
the sole 314. The heat-receiving portion delivers the temperature
regulating fluid 328 to a heat-dissipating portion 350. The
heat-dissipating portion 350 is disposed in an outwardly-facing
recessed cavity 378 (that is, facing away from the interior chamber
324) defined by the upper 318. The heat-dissipating portion 350
returns the temperature regulating fluid 328 to the reservoir.
[0050] In some embodiments, the heat-dissipating portion 350 may be
directly exposed to the environment. In some embodiments, the
heat-dissipating portion 350 may be disposed in the cavity 378 and
between the upper 318 and one or more relatively thermally
conductive layers (not shown; such as polymer mesh layers and the
like) lining the edge of the cavity 378.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates an article of footwear 410 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. The article of
footwear 410 may be a golf shoe including a body 412 configured to
engage a foot of a wearer (not shown). The body 412 includes a sole
414 that connects to an upper 418. The upper 418 and the sole 414
together define an interior chamber 424 configured to receive the
foot of the wearer.
[0052] The body 412 mounts a temperature regulation system 426 that
is as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-5. That is, the
temperature regulation system 426 generally includes a deformable
reservoir (not shown) that is supported by a heel-receiving portion
of the sole 414. The reservoir is compressed between the foot of
the wearer and the heel-receiving portion of the sole 414 to
deliver temperature regulating fluid 428 to a heat-receiving
portion (not shown) supported by a forefoot-receiving portion of
the sole 414. The heat-receiving portion delivers the temperature
regulating fluid 428 to a heat-dissipating portion 450. The
heat-dissipating portion 450 is disposed in an outwardly-facing
recessed cavity 478 (that is, facing away from the interior chamber
424) defined by the upper 418. The heat-dissipating portion 450
returns the temperature regulating fluid 428 to the reservoir.
[0053] FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an article of footwear 510 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The article
of footwear 510 may be a boot including a body 512 configured to
engage a foot of a wearer (not shown). The body 512 includes a sole
514 having an anteriorly-disposed forefoot-receiving portion (not
shown) and a posteriorly-disposed heel-receiving portion (not
shown). The sole 514 connects to an upper 518, and the upper 518
and the sole 514 together define an interior chamber 524 configured
to receive the foot of the wearer.
[0054] The body 512 mounts a temperature regulation system 526 that
is partially disposed within the interior chamber 524. The
temperature regulation system 526 contains a recirculating
temperature regulating fluid 528 that receives heat from the foot
of the wearer. The temperature regulating fluid 528 also dissipates
heat to the environment of the article of footwear 510.
[0055] The temperature regulation system 526 may be generally
formed by upper and lower fixedly-connected flexible sheets 530 and
532 (FIG. 11). The sheets 530 and 532 define various features that
together form an endless passageway or circuit through which the
temperature regulating fluid 528 travels.
[0056] The endless circuit is formed, in part, by a "pump" or
deformable reservoir 534 that contains the temperature regulating
fluid 528. The deformable reservoir 534 is supported by the
heel-receiving portion of the sole 514. Thus, when the wearer
places his/her weight on the heel-receiving portion of the sole 514
(for example, by taking a step, shifting his/her weight, or the
like), the reservoir 534 is compressed between the foot of the
wearer and the sole 514. This action causes the reservoir 534 to
discharge at least some of the temperature regulating fluid 528
into a plurality of passageway segments that also form, in part,
the endless circuit through which the temperature regulating fluid
528 travels. The reservoir 534 specifically discharges the
temperature regulating fluid 528 to an anteriorly-extending outlet
passageway segment 536.
[0057] The outlet passageway segment 536 includes a check or
one-way valve 538. The check valve 538 permits the outlet
passageway segment 536 to receive the temperature regulating fluid
528 from the reservoir 534. Conversely, the check valve 538
inhibits the reservoir 534 from receiving the temperature
regulating fluid 528 directly from the outlet passageway segment
536. The outlet passageway segment 536 also delivers the
temperature regulating fluid 528 to an adjacent set of passageway
segments that define a "cooler" or heat-receiving portion 540 of
the temperature regulation system 526.
[0058] The heat-receiving portion 540 of the temperature regulation
system 526 is supported by the forefoot-receiving portion of the
sole 514. Thus, the heat-receiving portion 540 receives heat from
the forefoot of the wearer. The heat-receiving portion 540 includes
several features that facilitate appropriate heat transfer from the
forefoot of the wearer to the heat-receiving portion 540. In
particular, the heat-receiving portion 540 includes a plurality of
substantially parallel passageway segments 542 and connecting
arcuate passageway segments 544. The heat-receiving portion 540 may
include, for example, four or more passageway segments 542 and an
appropriate number of connecting passageway segments 544. The
passageway segments 542 and 544 together define a serpentine path
or portion 546 of the endless circuit. Each of the passageway
segments 542 and 544 may have a greater width, as viewed from
above, than other passageway segments of the temperature regulation
system 526. The passageway segments 542 may also extend along axes
(see axis 545 of FIG. 11, for example) disposed at a relatively
small acute angle (for example, 10 degrees or less) relative to a
coronal plane 547 of the article of footwear 510.
[0059] The serpentine portion 546 of the endless circuit delivers
the temperature regulating fluid 528 to intermediate passageway
segments 548a and 548b. The intermediate passageway segments 548a
and 548b extend posteriorly from and on opposite sides of the
serpentine portion 546 of the endless circuit. Together, the
serpentine portion 546 and the intermediate passageway segments
548a and 548b provide the heat-receiving portion 540 with a width
that may be 70 percent or more of the width of the
forefoot-receiving portion of the sole 514.
[0060] The intermediate passageway segments 548a and 548b extend
through gaps between the sole 514 and the upper 518, through
passages extending through the upper 518, or the like. The
intermediate passageway segments 548a and 548b deliver the
temperature regulating fluid 528 to branches 580a and 580b,
respectively, of a "radiator" or heat-dissipating portion 550. As
the name implies, the heat-dissipating portion 550 dissipates heat
from the temperature regulating fluid 528 to the environment.
Overall, the heat-dissipating portion 550 may have a surface area
that is three times that of the heat-receiving portion 540 or more.
The heat-dissipating portion 550 may be disposed posteriorly
relative to the reservoir 534 and, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, may
also be supported by the upper 518 in outwardly-facing recessed
cavities 578 (that is, facing away from the interior chamber 524).
The heat-dissipating portion 550 may extend about portions of the
upper 518 adjacent to the heel and ankle of the wearer.
[0061] The branches 580a and 580b of the heat-dissipating portion
550 include a plurality of passageway segments 556a and 556b,
respectively, (four of each are numbered in FIG. 11) and connecting
arcuate passageway segments 558a and 558b, respectively (two of
each are numbered in FIG. 11). Each of the branches 580a and 580b
may include, for example, sixteen or more passageway segments 556a
and 556b, respectively, and an appropriate number of connecting
passageway segments 558a and 558b, respectively. The passageway
segments 556a and 558a together define a serpentine path or portion
560a of the endless circuit, and the passageway segments 556b and
558b together define a serpentine path or portion 560b of the
endless circuit. The serpentine paths 560a and 560b deliver the
fluid 528 to an anteriorly-extending reservoir inlet passageway
segment 572.
[0062] The reservoir inlet passageway segment 572 extends through a
gap between the sole 514 and the upper 518, through a passage
extending through the upper 518, or the like. The reservoir inlet
passageway segment 572 includes a check or one-way valve 574. The
check valve 574 permits the reservoir 534 to receive the
temperature regulating fluid 528 from the inlet passageway segment
572. Conversely, the check valve 574 inhibits the inlet passageway
segment 572 from receiving the temperature regulating fluid 528
directly from the reservoir 534. The temperature regulating fluid
528 completes the endless circuit upon traveling from the inlet
passageway segment 572 to the reservoir 534.
[0063] FIGS. 12-15 illustrate an article of footwear 610 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The article
of footwear 610 may be a casual shoe including a body 612
configured to engage a foot of a wearer (not shown). The body 612
includes a sole 614 having an anteriorly-disposed
forefoot-receiving portion 615 and a posteriorly-disposed
heel-receiving portion 616. The sole 614 connects to an upper 618,
and the upper 618 and the sole 614 together define an interior
chamber 624 configured to receive the foot of the wearer.
[0064] The body 612 mounts a temperature regulation system 626 that
is partially disposed within the interior chamber 624. The
temperature regulation system 626 contains a recirculating
temperature regulating fluid 628 that receives heat from the foot
of the wearer. The temperature regulating fluid 628 also dissipates
heat to the environment of the article of footwear 610.
[0065] The temperature regulation system 626 may be generally
formed by upper and lower fixedly-connected flexible sheets 630 and
632 (FIG. 15). The sheets 630 and 632 define various features that
together form an endless passageway or circuit through which the
temperature regulating fluid 628 travels.
[0066] The endless circuit is formed, in part, by a "pump" or
deformable reservoir 634 that contains the temperature regulating
fluid 628. The deformable reservoir 634 is supported by the
heel-receiving portion 616 of the sole 614. Thus, when the wearer
places his/her weight on the heel-receiving portion 616 of the sole
614 (for example, by taking a step, shifting his/her weight, or the
like), the reservoir 634 is compressed between the foot of the
wearer and the sole 614. This action causes the reservoir 634 to
discharge at least some of the temperature regulating fluid 628
into a plurality of passageway segments that also form, in part,
the endless circuit through which the temperature regulating fluid
628 travels. The reservoir 634 specifically discharges the
temperature regulating fluid 628 to an anteriorly-extending outlet
passageway segment 636.
[0067] The outlet passageway segment 636 includes a check or
one-way valve 638. The check valve 638 permits the outlet
passageway segment 636 to receive the temperature regulating fluid
628 from the reservoir 634. Conversely, the check valve 638
inhibits the reservoir 634 from receiving the temperature
regulating fluid 628 directly from the outlet passageway segment
636. The outlet passageway segment 636 also delivers the
temperature regulating fluid 628 to an adjacent set of passageway
segments that define a "cooler" or heat-receiving portion 640 of
the temperature regulation system 626.
[0068] The heat-receiving portion 640 of the temperature regulation
system 626 is supported by the forefoot-receiving portion 615 of
the sole 614. Thus, the heat-receiving portion 640 receives heat
from the forefoot of the wearer. The heat-receiving portion 640
includes several features that facilitate appropriate heat transfer
from the forefoot of the wearer to the heat-receiving portion 640.
In particular, the heat-receiving portion 640 includes a plurality
of substantially parallel passageway segments 642 and connecting
passageway segments 644. The heat-receiving portion 640 may
include, for example, three or more passageway segments 642 and an
appropriate number of connecting passageway segments 644. The
passageway segments 642 and 644 together define a serpentine path
or portion 646 of the endless circuit. Each of the passageway
segments 642 and 644 may have a greater width, as viewed from
above, than other passageway segments of the temperature regulation
system 626. The passageway segments 642 may also extend along axes
(see axis 645 of FIG. 15, for example) disposed at a relatively
small acute angle (for example, 10 degrees or less) relative to a
coronal plane 647 of the article of footwear 610.
[0069] The serpentine portion 646 of the endless circuit delivers
the temperature regulating fluid 628 to an elongated loop
passageway segment 682. The elongated loop passageway segment 682
may generally extend along an axis parallel to that of the
passageway segments 642. In addition, the temperature regulating
fluid 628 may circulate about the elongated loop passageway segment
682 before being delivered to intermediate passageway segments 648a
and 648b.
[0070] The intermediate passageway segments 648a and 648b extend
posteriorly from and on opposite sides of the serpentine portion
646 of the endless circuit. Together, the serpentine portion 646,
the elongated loop passageway segment 682, and the intermediate
passageway segments 648a and 648b provide the heat-receiving
portion 640 with a width that may be 70 percent or more of the
width of the forefoot-receiving portion 615 of the sole 614.
[0071] The intermediate passageway segments 648a and 648b extend
through gaps between the sole 614 and the upper 618, through
passages extending through the upper 618, or the like. The
intermediate passageway segments 648a and 648b deliver the
temperature regulating fluid 628 to branches 680a and 680b,
respectively, of a "radiator" or heat-dissipating portion 650. As
the name implies, the heat-dissipating portion 650 dissipates heat
from the temperature regulating fluid 628 to the environment. The
heat-dissipating portion 650 may be disposed generally evenly
relative to the reservoir 634 in an anterior/posterior direction
and, as shown in FIG. 14, may also be supported by the upper 618
outside of the interior chamber 624. The heat-dissipating portion
650 may be supported by portions of the upper 618 on opposite sides
of the ankle of the wearer.
[0072] The branches 680a and 680b of the heat-dissipating portion
650 include a plurality of passageway segments 656a and 656b,
respectively, (two of each are numbered in FIG. 15) and connecting
arcuate passageway segments 658a and 658b, respectively (two of
each are numbered in FIG. 15). Each of the branches 680a and 680b
may include, for example, six or more passageway segments 656a and
656b, respectively, and an appropriate number of connecting
passageway segments 658a and 658b, respectively. The passageway
segments 656a and 658a together define a serpentine path or portion
660a of the endless circuit, and the passageway segments 656b and
658b together define a serpentine path or portion 660b of the
endless circuit. The serpentine paths 660a and 660b deliver the
fluid 628 to intermediate passageway segments 684a and 684b,
respectively. The intermediate passageway segments 684a and 684b
extend through gaps between the sole 614 and the upper 618, through
passages extending through the upper 618, or the like. The
intermediate passageway segments 684a and 684b deliver the fluid
628 to an anteriorly-extending reservoir inlet passageway segment
672.
[0073] The reservoir inlet passageway segment 672 includes a check
or one-way valve 674. The check valve 674 permits the reservoir 634
to receive the temperature regulating fluid 628 from the inlet
passageway segment 672. Conversely, the check valve 674 inhibits
the inlet passageway segment 672 from receiving the temperature
regulating fluid 628 directly from the reservoir 634. The
temperature regulating fluid 628 completes the endless circuit upon
traveling from the inlet passageway segment 672 to the reservoir
634.
[0074] In some embodiments, the article of footwear 610 may include
a footbed 676 overlying the heel-receiving portion 616 of the sole
614 and the reservoir 634 (see FIG. 13). The footbed 676 may be
disposed to the side of (that is, not overlie) the
forefoot-receiving portion 615 and the heat-receiving portion 640.
In some embodiments, the footbed 676 may be omitted (see FIG.
12).
[0075] FIG. 16 illustrates a temperature regulation system 726 that
may be supported by the body of an article of footwear (not shown)
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The
temperature regulation system 726 contains a recirculating
temperature regulating fluid 728 that receives heat from the foot
of the wearer. The temperature regulating fluid 728 also dissipates
heat to the environment of the article of footwear.
[0076] The temperature regulation system 726 may be generally
formed by upper and lower fixedly-connected flexible sheets 730 and
732. The sheets 730 and 732 define various features that together
form an endless passageway or circuit through which the temperature
regulating fluid 728 travels.
[0077] The endless circuit is formed, in part, by a "pump" or
deformable reservoir 734 that contains the temperature regulating
fluid 728. The deformable reservoir 734 is supported by the
heel-receiving portion of the sole (not shown) of the article of
footwear. Thus, when the wearer places his/her weight on the
heel-receiving portion of the sole (for example, by taking a step,
shifting his/her weight, or the like), the reservoir 734 is
compressed between the foot of the wearer and the sole. This action
causes the reservoir 734 to discharge at least some of the
temperature regulating fluid 728 into a plurality of passageway
segments that also form, in part, the endless circuit through which
the temperature regulating fluid 728 travels. The reservoir 734
specifically discharges the temperature regulating fluid 728 to an
anteriorly-extending outlet passageway segment 736.
[0078] The outlet passageway segment 736 includes a check or
one-way valve 738. The check valve 738 permits the outlet
passageway segment 736 to receive the temperature regulating fluid
728 from the reservoir 734. Conversely, the check valve 738
inhibits the reservoir 734 from receiving the temperature
regulating fluid 728 directly from the outlet passageway segment
736. The outlet passageway segment 736 also delivers the
temperature regulating fluid 728 to an adjacent set of passageway
segments that define a "cooler" or heat-receiving portion 740 of
the temperature regulation system 726.
[0079] The heat-receiving portion 740 of the temperature regulation
system 726 is supported by the forefoot-receiving portion of the
sole (not shown) of the article of footwear. Thus, the
heat-receiving portion 740 receives heat from the forefoot of the
wearer. The heat-receiving portion 740 includes several features
that facilitate appropriate heat transfer from the forefoot of the
wearer to the heat-receiving portion 740. In particular, the
heat-receiving portion 740 includes a plurality of substantially
parallel passageway segments 742 and connecting passageway segments
744. The heat-receiving portion 740 may include, for example, five
or more passageway segments 742 and an appropriate number of
connecting passageway segments 744. The passageway segments 742 and
744 together define a serpentine path or portion 746 of the endless
circuit. Each of the passageway segments 742 and 744 may have a
greater width, as viewed from above, than other passageway segments
of the temperature regulation system 726. The passageway segments
742 may also extend along axes (see axis 745, for example) disposed
at a relatively small acute angle (for example, 10 degrees or less)
relative to a coronal plane 747 of the article of footwear. The
serpentine portion 746 of the endless circuit delivers the
temperature regulating fluid 728 to intermediate passageway
segments 748a and 748b.
[0080] The intermediate passageway segments 748a and 748b extend
posteriorly from and on opposite sides of the serpentine portion
746 of the endless circuit. Together, the serpentine portion 746
and the intermediate passageway segments 748a and 748b provide the
heat-receiving portion 740 with a width that may be 70 percent or
more of the width of the forefoot-receiving portion of the
sole.
[0081] The intermediate passageway segments 748a and 748b deliver
the temperature regulating fluid 728 to branches 780a and 780b,
respectively, of a "radiator" or heat-dissipating portion 750. As
the name implies, the heat-dissipating portion 750 dissipates heat
from the temperature regulating fluid 728 to the environment. The
heat-dissipating portion 750 may be disposed generally evenly
relative to the reservoir 734 in an anterior/posterior direction
and may also be supported by an upper of the article of footwear
(not shown) outside of an interior foot-receiving chamber. The
heat-dissipating portion 750 may be supported by portions of the
upper extending about the heel and ankle of the wearer.
[0082] The branches 780a and 780b of the heat-dissipating portion
750 include heat-dissipating reservoirs 786a and 786b,
respectively. The reservoirs 786a and 786b may have a width that is
twice the width of the intermediate passageway segments 748a and
748b or more to facilitate heat transfer. The reservoirs 786a and
786b deliver the fluid 728 to intermediate passageway segments 784a
and 784b, respectively, which in turn deliver the fluid 728 to a
posterior heat-dissipating reservoir 788. The reservoir 788 may
have a width that is twice the width of the intermediate passageway
segments 784a and 784b or more to facilitate heat transfer. The
reservoir 788 delivers the fluid 728 to an anteriorly-extending
reservoir inlet passageway segment 772.
[0083] The reservoir inlet passageway segment 772 includes a check
or one-way valve 774. The check valve 774 permits the reservoir 734
to receive the temperature regulating fluid 728 from the inlet
passageway segment 772. Conversely, the check valve 774 inhibits
the inlet passageway segment 772 from receiving the temperature
regulating fluid 728 directly from the reservoir 734. The
temperature regulating fluid 728 completes the endless circuit upon
traveling from the inlet passageway segment 772 to the reservoir
734.
[0084] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an article of footwear 810 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The article
of footwear 810 may be a casual shoe including a body 812
configured to engage a foot of a wearer (not shown). The body 812
includes a sole 814 having an anteriorly-disposed
forefoot-receiving portion 815 and a posteriorly-disposed
heel-receiving portion 816. The sole 814 connects to an upper 818,
and the upper 818 and the sole 814 together define an interior
chamber 824 configured to receive the foot of the wearer.
[0085] The body 812 mounts a temperature regulation system 826 that
is partially disposed within the interior chamber 824. The
temperature regulation system 826 contains a recirculating
temperature regulating fluid 828 that receives heat from the foot
of the wearer. The temperature regulating fluid 828 also dissipates
heat to the environment of the article of footwear 810.
[0086] The temperature regulation system 826 defines an endless
circuit is formed, in part, by a "pump" or deformable reservoir 834
that contains the temperature regulating fluid 828. The deformable
reservoir 834 is supported by the heel-receiving portion 816 of the
sole 814. Thus, when the wearer places his/her weight on the
heel-receiving portion 816 of the sole 814 (for example, by taking
a step, shifting his/her weight, or the like), the reservoir 834 is
compressed between the foot of the wearer and the sole 814. This
action causes the reservoir 834 to discharge at least some of the
temperature regulating fluid 828 into a plurality of passageway
segments that also form, in part, the endless circuit through which
the temperature regulating fluid 828 travels. The reservoir 834
specifically discharges the temperature regulating fluid 828 to an
anteriorly-extending outlet passageway segment 836.
[0087] The outlet passageway segment 836 includes a check or
one-way valve 838. The check valve 838 permits the outlet
passageway segment 836 to receive the temperature regulating fluid
828 from the reservoir 834. Conversely, the check valve 838
inhibits the reservoir 834 from receiving the temperature
regulating fluid 828 directly from the outlet passageway segment
836. The outlet passageway segment 836 also delivers the
temperature regulating fluid 828 to an adjacent "cooler reservoir"
or heat-receiving portion 840 of the temperature regulation system
826.
[0088] The heat-receiving portion 840 of the temperature regulation
system 826 is supported by the forefoot-receiving portion of the
sole (not shown) of the article of footwear. Thus, the
heat-receiving portion 840 receives heat from the forefoot of the
wearer. The heat-receiving portion 840 is a relatively long and
wide component to facilitate appropriate heat transfer from the
forefoot of the wearer to the heat-receiving portion 840. In some
embodiments, the heat-receiving portion 840 has a width of 70
percent or more of the width of the forefoot-receiving portion 815
of the sole 814. The heat-receiving portion 840 delivers the
temperature regulating fluid 828 to intermediate passageway
segments 848a and 848b.
[0089] The intermediate passageway segments 848a and 848b extend
posteriorly from and on opposite sides of the heat-receiving
portion 840. The intermediate passageway segments 848a and 848b
extend through gaps between the sole 814 and the upper 818, through
passages extending through the upper 818, or the like. The
intermediate passageway segments 848a and 848b deliver the
temperature regulating fluid 828 to branches 880a and 880b,
respectively, of a "radiator" or heat-dissipating portion 850. As
the name implies, the heat-dissipating portion 850 dissipates heat
from the temperature regulating fluid 828 to the environment. The
heat-dissipating portion 850 may be disposed generally evenly
relative to the reservoir 834 in an anterior/posterior direction
and may also be supported by an upper of the article of footwear
(not shown) outside of an interior foot-receiving chamber. The
heat-dissipating portion 850 may be supported outside of the
internal chamber 824 and by portions of the upper 818 extending
about the heel and ankle of the wearer.
[0090] The branches 880a and 880b of the heat-dissipating portion
850 include heat-dissipating reservoirs 886a and 886b,
respectively. The reservoirs 886a and 886b may have a width that is
twice the width of the intermediate passageway segments 848a and
848b or more to facilitate heat transfer. The reservoirs 886a and
886b deliver the fluid 828 anteriorly-extending reservoir inlet
passageway segments 872a and 872b, respectively.
[0091] The reservoir inlet passageway segments 872a and 872b extend
through gaps between the sole 814 and the upper 818, through
passages extending through the upper 818, or the like. The
reservoir inlet passageway segments 872a and 872b include check or
one-way valves 874a and 874b, respectively. The check valves 874a
and 874b permit the reservoir 834 to receive the temperature
regulating fluid 828 from the inlet passageway segments 872a and
874b, respectively. Conversely, the check valves 874a and 874b
inhibit the inlet passageway segments 872a and 872b, respectively,
from receiving the temperature regulating fluid 828 directly from
the reservoir 834. The temperature regulating fluid 828 completes
the endless circuit upon traveling from the inlet passageway
segments 872a and 872b to the reservoir 834.
[0092] FIGS. 19-23 illustrate a temperature regulating fluid
control element 900. The control element 900 may be used, for
example, with any of the temperature regulation systems and
articles of footwear described above. The control element 900 is
selectively adjustable to modify the resistance to flow applied to
the temperature regulation fluid moving through the system. The
control element 900 thereby controls the amount of heat dissipation
facilitated by the temperature regulation system.
[0093] In some embodiments and as shown in the figures, the
temperature regulating fluid control element 900 includes a base
902 that rotatably mounts a dial 904. The dial 904 supports a
protrusion 906 proximate one of the temperature regulating fluid
passageway segments 908. As the dial 904 is rotated, the protrusion
906 compresses, in varying degrees, the temperature regulating
fluid passageway segment 908 and thereby modifies the resistance to
flow applied to the temperature regulation fluid moving through the
system.
[0094] Some embodiments according to the present invention have
been shown to have a reduced interior chamber temperature compared
to articles of footwear that lack temperature regulation systems.
Specifically, the data shown in Table 1 have been obtained.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Temperatures for articles of footwear having
and lacking temperature regulation systems at various times.
Article having temperature Article lacking temperature regulation
system regulation system Interior Outside heat-dis. Interior
chamber temp. portion temp. chamber temp. Time (degrees C.)
(degrees C.) (degrees C.) Start 30.2 25.0 30.0 One 32.0 28.8 34.1
Hour Two 32.6 30.2 35.2 Hours
[0095] As described briefly above, temperature regulation systems
according to embodiments of the present invention may be formed by
two flexible polyurethane sheets. During manufacturing, in some
embodiments, the sheets may first be cut to form the general shape,
or outline, of the temperature regulation system. The check valves
could then be disposed at the appropriate positions between then
sheets. The polyurethane sheets could then be joined (via, for
example, bonding, welding, or the like) at many of the edges of the
reservoir and the passageway segments. The temperature regulating
fluid could be injected through an open edge of a passageway
segment to fill the temperature regulation system. The open edge of
the passageway segment could then be closed (via, for example,
bonding, welding, or the like), and the temperature regulation
system could then be mounted to the body of an article of
footwear.
[0096] Articles of footwear according to the present invention may
be modified from the embodiments described above in various other
manners. For example, the compressible reservoir could be omitted,
and the heat-receiving portion could act as the compressible
reservoir to drive the temperature regulating fluid along the
endless circuit. As another example, various other types of
articles of footwear may be used, and different combinations of
types of articles of footwear and the various embodiments of the
temperature regulation system described above may be created. As
yet another example, the positions of the heat-receiving portion
and the deformable reservoir of the temperature regulation system
may be varied, or the positions of the heat-receiving portion and
the deformable reservoir may be reversed. That is, the
heat-receiving portion may be supported by the heel-receiving
portion of the sole and the deformable reservoir may be supported
by the forefoot-receiving portion of the sole.
[0097] Various modifications and additions can be made to the
exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of
the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described
above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention
also includes embodiments having different combinations of features
and embodiments that do not include all of the above described
features.
* * * * *